Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Tour Types
Activities
Duration
11 days67 days
Start & End Location
5 Trips in Ashgabat during May 2026 with 25 Reviews
Be entranced by the beauty and the wonder of Central Asia on this overland journey from the capital of Kyrgyzstan through the heartland of Uzbekistan to the forgotten yet futuristic Ashgabat. Take in the tranquil landscape of Son-Kol Lake, watch for wild boar and deer around Chychkan Gorge, hike up the sacred Sulumain-too Mountain in historic Osh, and get your fill of mosques and museums in Samarkand. Venture into the mysterious Turkmenistan, watch the eternal fire from the 'Gates of Hell', and explore Ashgabat with architecture from a sci-fi movie. Abounding with ancient culture, divine natural beauty, intriguing relics and welcoming people, this is a journey that will leave you eager to discover more of Central Asia.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Tashkent, Tas
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Tashkent, Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, Darvaza, Nohur, Mary, Issyk-Kul Lake, Song-Kol Lake, Kyzyl-Oi, Toktogul, Osh
Everything I would expect from Explore! Thought Hotel Mary was scraping the bottom of the barrel even for a basic hotel. Overall a fantastic experience with tour leaders and guides who were both knowledgeable and passionate about their respective countries.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Central Asia, exploring the cultural treasures of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Your adventure begins in Tashkent, the dynamic capital of Uzbekistan, where the spiritual serenity of the Khast-Imam Complex, the vibrant lanes of Chorsu Bazaar, and the elegance of Navoi Theater Square set the tone. Escape into nature with a scenic excursion to Ugam-Chatkal National Park, nestled in the Tian Shan mountains. Next, travel to the legendary city of Samarkand, where history comes alive at the grand Registan Square, the intricately tiled Gur Emir Mausoleum, and the bustling Siyab Bazaar. Continue through the sweeping landscapes of the Kyzylkum Desert to reach Bukhara, a city that feels frozen in time. Here, explore the tranquil Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, the towering Poi-Kalon Minaret, and the ancient Ark Fortress, once the seat of Bukhara’s emirs. In Khiva, walk through the living museum of Ichan-Kala, admiring architectural masterpieces like the Muhammad Aminkhana Madrasah and the colorful, unfinished Kalta Minor Minaret. Cross into Turkmenistan and head to Dashoguz, your gateway to the ancient Silk Road city of Koneurgench. Discover its timeless monuments, including the Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, the Mausoleum of Najmitdin Kubra, and Sultan Ali’s tomb. A short domestic flight brings you to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s gleaming capital, where you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Nisa, the Ottoman-inspired Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and the grand Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque—one of Central Asia’s largest. Continue to the ancient oasis of Merv, once one of the world’s greatest cities. Marvel at the soaring Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the mysterious Kizkala towers, and the remnants of Erk Kala and Gayur Kala, echoing tales of dynasties past. Return to Ashgabat to delve deeper into Turkmen culture at the National Museum, and take in panoramic city views from the record-breaking Alem Ferris Wheel, the tallest enclosed Ferris wheel in the world. This immersive journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is a celebration of ancient civilizations, living traditions, and the enduring beauty of Central Asia’s soul-stirring landscapes.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
